Elderly couple struck in front of Diplomat Hotel

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (WSVN) -- An elderly couple was struck in the front of the Westin Diplomat Hotel on A1A, Wednesday night.

The victims were rushed to the hospital. The man has been critically injured and is not expected to survive. The woman's injuries were less severe, and she is expected to pull through.

Area residents are not surprised the accident occurred at this busy intersection of Diplomat Landing on the east side of A1A. "I don't walk there anymore," said Mina Benjamin, a neighbor who was out walking her dogs. "I know it's very scary to cross this part," she said, pointing to the spot where the accident happened.

Hollywood Police re-directed traffic as they investigated why the couple walking northbound were struck in front of the hotel driveway by a Lake Limo courtesy vehicle. The pedestrians were taken to Hollywood Memorial Regional Hospital.

A local man who asked to be identified as "Fidel" said that he has been a victim at this busy spot as well. "I've been hit twice on that sidewalk," he said. "This does not surprise me at all," he added.

Fidel observed that while it is dangerous to walk on this intersection, it is not impossible. "These people can't take a moment to look both ways," he said, "it's inconceivable for them to look both ways before they dart into the traffic."

The neighbors of this bustling hotel and convention center complex said they hope something changes to make it safer for both drivers and pedestrians. "I hope this time they make major changes [to solve] this problem," Benjamin said.

The driver of the Lake Limo shuttle remained on the scene. Hollywood Police continue to investigate.

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